Flabba's family not fazed after his killer gets bail

The family of hip hop artist Nkululeko "Flabba" Habedi on Thursday said they were not bitter about his killer being granted bail as the wheels of justice had already started turning.

Habedi's mother Pearl told the media they were still happy Sindisiwe Manqele had on Wednesday been found guilty of her lover's murder. They were looking forward to her sentencing on March 9 and 10 next year. March 9 was also the anniversary of Habedi's murder.

'Yesterday she was shocked. She was not ready for that'

Manqele fatally stabbed him in the heart after the two had an argument as they returned from a Sandton nightclub.

The court heard the argument was sparked by the presence of Habedi's ex-girlfriend at the club who had allegedly danced provocatively in front of him. The situation was further escalated when Habedi and Manqele exchanged words after she entertained a man who paid her a compliment.

Siphile Buthelezi, who is on Manqele's legal team, told reporters Manqele was shaken by the guilty verdict she received in the high court sitting in Randburg.

"Yesterday she was shocked. She was not ready for that. Today after consulting with her, she is fine," Buthelezi said.

Manqele had broken down and was reduced to tears when the court ruled she acted with intent when she stabbed Habedi.

She was thrown another blow when the court revoked her bail and kept her behind bars for the night.

The state on Thursday tried to oppose her bail, arguing among other things, Manqele had tried to commit suicide after she killed Habedi and could try again following her conviction.

However, Manqele's lawyer Norman Makhubela asked for the court to sympathise with the 26-year-old who had lost her father four weeks ago. She had traditional rituals to follow following his death. Manqele's brother and mother had died several years ago, leaving Manqele the sole heir of her father's estate.

The student who has been studying in Ireland was also said to be taking anxiety medication and undergoing counselling.

Judge Solly Sithole ruled Manqele should be given a chance to get her affairs in order.

He released her on R15000 bail and ruled she remain at her Kempton Park residence. She could not leave without permission and was still expected to report to a police station twice a week.

Sithole added she should be ready to receive a monitoring tag to ensure she returned to court for her sentencing.

Manqele's relatives sat at the back of the court gallery huddled together following the ruling.

Sithole wished Manqele a Merry Christmas before she was led back to the court cells.